2008 XL1200 C - Fun to ride?
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 227
Likes: 12
From: North Carolina
2008 XL1200 C - Fun to ride?
I sold my Softail Deluxe and Heritage Classic years ago due to health problems. Now that things are getting better I'm interested in getting another bike.
I'm attracted to a 2008 XL1200 C anniversary edition available from a private seller, but I have no experience on a Sportster. Lots of people tell me that I'll be disappointed, especially coming from a larger bike. Yeah, I've heard all of the BS about Sportsters being "chick bikes", but I've found many people making comments have never owned one.
So, the question: For those of you who have a XL1200 C (with the classic 21" front wheel, not the new fat tire front end), is the bike a fun ride? How do you compare it to other Harleys that you've ridden or owned?
By the way, after my many surgeries my shoulders aren't very strong so the bike weight is an issue. I also used to ride two up with the wife, but she doesn't enjoy riding as much any longer - arthritis (getting old sucks). So any bike I get will be mostly one up riding.
Finally, despite my attraction to the Sportster, I still would love to have a Road King (not classic - I like the locking fiberglas bags). Anyone who has had both the Sportster and the Road King I'd really love to hear your thoughts about each bike.
Thanks in advance.
I'm attracted to a 2008 XL1200 C anniversary edition available from a private seller, but I have no experience on a Sportster. Lots of people tell me that I'll be disappointed, especially coming from a larger bike. Yeah, I've heard all of the BS about Sportsters being "chick bikes", but I've found many people making comments have never owned one.
So, the question: For those of you who have a XL1200 C (with the classic 21" front wheel, not the new fat tire front end), is the bike a fun ride? How do you compare it to other Harleys that you've ridden or owned?
By the way, after my many surgeries my shoulders aren't very strong so the bike weight is an issue. I also used to ride two up with the wife, but she doesn't enjoy riding as much any longer - arthritis (getting old sucks). So any bike I get will be mostly one up riding.
Finally, despite my attraction to the Sportster, I still would love to have a Road King (not classic - I like the locking fiberglas bags). Anyone who has had both the Sportster and the Road King I'd really love to hear your thoughts about each bike.
Thanks in advance.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,342
Likes: 8
From: Milwaukee, WI
I guess I'll chime in. I've been riding my 09 1200C since the day I bought it new, 15,000 miles ago. It has been a great bike. I've done touring and all sorts of riding on it. Once I had the bike set up the way I wanted with new shocks, new seat, windshield, saddlebags and what not, it was a perfect ride. For the time being, I am very happy with it.
Compared to your Heritage and Deluxe, you'll find the 1200 a lot more quick and much better handling. I've drove a EG Classic and Fat Bob a number of times and both of those are true. I could never see myself owning a touring bike. As comfy as it was to ride, it just wasn't my style. I found the Fat Bob that I rode to be a damn near perfect fit. To me, it seem like a stretched out C, just a little bigger.
What type of riding do you plan on doing? I think that should determine if the sporty is best for you.
Compared to your Heritage and Deluxe, you'll find the 1200 a lot more quick and much better handling. I've drove a EG Classic and Fat Bob a number of times and both of those are true. I could never see myself owning a touring bike. As comfy as it was to ride, it just wasn't my style. I found the Fat Bob that I rode to be a damn near perfect fit. To me, it seem like a stretched out C, just a little bigger.
What type of riding do you plan on doing? I think that should determine if the sporty is best for you.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 0
From: Western New York
1200c
Went from this....
to the 1200C shown here when a Honda CRV decided it wanted to breed with My VTX ( while I was on it LOL ) ! I enjoy the ride on the sportster just as much and has the same comfort level for Me ( just needed to change out the dunlops for Avon venoms and put progressive springs in the front forks, same things I did to the VTX by the way ) . Hope this helps.. WVleo
to the 1200C shown here when a Honda CRV decided it wanted to breed with My VTX ( while I was on it LOL ) ! I enjoy the ride on the sportster just as much and has the same comfort level for Me ( just needed to change out the dunlops for Avon venoms and put progressive springs in the front forks, same things I did to the VTX by the way ) . Hope this helps.. WVleo
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 447
Likes: 55
From: Seattle area
I sold my Softail Deluxe and Heritage Classic years ago due to health problems. Now that things are getting better I'm interested in getting another bike.
I'm attracted to a 2008 XL1200 C anniversary edition available from a private seller, but I have no experience on a Sportster. Lots of people tell me that I'll be disappointed, especially coming from a larger bike. Yeah, I've heard all of the BS about Sportsters being "chick bikes", but I've found many people making comments have never owned one.
So, the question: For those of you who have a XL1200 C (with the classic 21" front wheel, not the new fat tire front end), is the bike a fun ride? How do you compare it to other Harleys that you've ridden or owned?
By the way, after my many surgeries my shoulders aren't very strong so the bike weight is an issue. I also used to ride two up with the wife, but she doesn't enjoy riding as much any longer - arthritis (getting old sucks). So any bike I get will be mostly one up riding.
Finally, despite my attraction to the Sportster, I still would love to have a Road King (not classic - I like the locking fiberglas bags). Anyone who has had both the Sportster and the Road King I'd really love to hear your thoughts about each bike.
Thanks in advance.
I'm attracted to a 2008 XL1200 C anniversary edition available from a private seller, but I have no experience on a Sportster. Lots of people tell me that I'll be disappointed, especially coming from a larger bike. Yeah, I've heard all of the BS about Sportsters being "chick bikes", but I've found many people making comments have never owned one.
So, the question: For those of you who have a XL1200 C (with the classic 21" front wheel, not the new fat tire front end), is the bike a fun ride? How do you compare it to other Harleys that you've ridden or owned?
By the way, after my many surgeries my shoulders aren't very strong so the bike weight is an issue. I also used to ride two up with the wife, but she doesn't enjoy riding as much any longer - arthritis (getting old sucks). So any bike I get will be mostly one up riding.
Finally, despite my attraction to the Sportster, I still would love to have a Road King (not classic - I like the locking fiberglas bags). Anyone who has had both the Sportster and the Road King I'd really love to hear your thoughts about each bike.
Thanks in advance.
Unless you want to ride 400 miles a day, I think you will like it.
Good luck with what ever you get.
I have owned a RK and a Sporty at the same time. Coming off the BT onto the sporty, it feels almost like a mini-bike in terms of being so easy to move around at slow speed.
But like Sioux565 said, if you set up the sporty right it can be a very comfortable ride, as well as being quick and nimble.
I was in a bad accident a year ago and still cannot hold up a Touring bike (shoulder & foot). But the sportster is no problem.
Kevin
But like Sioux565 said, if you set up the sporty right it can be a very comfortable ride, as well as being quick and nimble.
I was in a bad accident a year ago and still cannot hold up a Touring bike (shoulder & foot). But the sportster is no problem.
Kevin
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